The Mohican-Memorial State Forest area near Glenmont, Ohio sits within the Allegheny Plateau, with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,300 feet. The region features deep valleys and ravines carved by glacial activity, creating a diverse landscape for primitive camping. Weather patterns in this central Ohio forest area can shift rapidly, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak tent camping season from May through October.
What to do
Hiking the bridle trails: The Mohican forest system offers extensive trail networks that connect to various camping spots. At Mohican State Park Campground, you'll find "a very nice campground store and a pool that wasn't open for the season yet when we were there. It's the kind of campground that you never need to leave if you don't want to."
Creek exploration: Many sites offer direct water access for cooling off during hot summer months. At Park and Pack Campsite 3, "the Park & Pack sites were a bit confusing online, so I decided on a solo exploratory trip before bringing my 9yr out... Campsite 3 was beautiful, tucked off of the trail beside a wide stream. Fair warning, you do have to cross a stream to get to it."
Winter camping options: For those seeking off-season solitude, the forest remains open when conditions permit. As one visitor to Campsite 3 noted, "I decided on a solo exploratory trip... After getting to the Ranger kiosk everything was pretty self explanatory."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Most Park and Pack sites offer secluded camping spots away from crowds. At Park and Pack Campsite 10, "You can find a short 'trail' at the NE edge of the campsite that leads down to a ledge where a couple unofficial fire rings have been built. You can also get there by continuing east past the last Site 10 trail marker."
Natural swimming areas: The clear creek waters provide natural swimming holes during warmer months. A camper at Mohican Memorial State Forest Park and Pack Site 1 noted, "This one does have a creek crossing after you leave the camp site. It was the deepest part of the creek and muddy leading up to it. This is because the trail is also the horse trail in the forest."
Multiple tent setup options: Many sites can accommodate various camping arrangements. A review for Campsite 10 states, "This site was great for both hammocks and tents. You could have a small group here and not feel crowded."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most forest sites have minimal connectivity. At Campsite 10, a camper reported, "I had limited cell phone signal while here but this had the best signal out of the 10 sites."
Registration requirements: All Park and Pack campers must follow proper registration procedures. A user noted, "Make sure you register for your site and do not camp illegally. It is an issue here and they are looking to make sure folks did register at the kiosk at the ranger station."
Campsite verification: Check the registration board carefully before setting up. One camper at Campsite 10 explained, "Our main camper at this site was gracious as he had booked the site for the week most folks didn't realize the site was taken as his name was so far up the clipboard."
Limited amenities: Prepare for true backcountry camping with no facilities. "All of the Park and Pack camp sites do not have a bathroom. As you can see from this site I took the time to take a picture of the moon pole. So do leave no trace of your bathroom habits."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Some Park and Pack sites are more suitable for families with children. At Rivers Edge Camping Area, "The camp site is a short walk and was very nice. The porta potty was very big, clean and had hand sanitizer! In the morning there were many runners in the park but they stayed away from the camping area."
Check site terrain: Evaluate ground conditions when selecting a family-friendly spot. A camper at Campsite 10 observed, "Take a walk down a dirt beaten path with mature trees towering and hang a right and the path gets more eroded from rains, then you go up a slight steep hill and a big area is open for several tents to be set up."
Consider tent camping at Site 4: This site offers the easiest access for families with young children or those with mobility concerns. According to a review, "It's a great spot if your legs are tired after a long day of hiking or if you did too many hills that day. Or if you're a beginner camper, or family that want to try something new, it's easy to walk into and out of."
Tips from RVers
Alternative RV options: While Park and Pack sites are tent-only, nearby Hidden Hollow Camp offers better options for group camping. A visitor noted, "We have camped here multiple times with our scout troop. Facilities are excellent with a large clubhouse with kitchen. Vault toilets are fine."
Consider state park camping for RVs: The main Mohican State Park campground offers electric sites more suitable for RVs. A recent camper shared, "We did like the paved pull-through site and were close to the river. Electric was good and people were friendly. Bathrooms close to all campsites."
Check seasonal availability: Campground facilities vary by season. As one camper discovered, "THE FREE CAMPING IS CLOSED!!!!!! We went to the location of the office to fill out a slip for the free camping sites and they are all closed now. We ended up staying at the state park campground for $33 which is not too bad."
